Event
Boyden Joins as Sponsor of CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement 2026
Kelly McWherter
Senior Associate, United States
Kelly Russell McWherter has over 15 years’ executive search and management consulting experience. Specializing in oil and gas, she has executed and supported searches for a range of clients seeking exceptional candidates for board, C-suite and other leadership roles. Kelly’s functional expertise spans all aspects of an organization, with a focus on finance, general management and sales.
Professional Focus
- Over 15 years’ experience in retained executive search and management consulting
- Specialty in the oil and gas industry
- Experience with search assignments at the board, C-suite and business segment leadership levels for domestic and international clients, from private equity-backed startups to large, integrated companies
- Broad functional expertise, with particular focus in finance, general management, and sales
Business Expertise
- Previous experience with another top-tier global executive search firm, as well as a top-tier global human resources consulting firm
- Engaged in all phases of the search process throughout her career: business development, search strategy, research, search execution, and candidate assessment
Education & Certifications
- MBA from Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University
- Bachelor’s Degree from University of Texas at Austin
Affiliations & Awards
- Involved in a variety of nonprofit organizations, including Children’s Fund of Houston, Bo’s Place, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, and Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital
- Active alumna of Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, University of Texas at Austin, The Kinkaid School
Case Studies
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Navigating the Nuances of Philanthropic Leadership: The Search for a Major Gifts Officer
Through a highly targeted, relationship-based search, Boyden successfully identified a Major Gifts Officer whose fundraising approach, mission alignment, and donor engagement style matched the organization's long-term philanthropic goals.
Building a High-Performance HR Function for a Multi-Site Laboratory Organization
Through collaboration with Boyden, the Chief People Officer of a PE-backed company secured two pivotal leaders, a Vice President of Human Resources and a Head of Talent Acquisition, to elevate human capital strategy, drive transformation, streamline recruitment, and strengthen enterprise alignment.
Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership
With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.
Thought Leadership
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Newsletter
The CFO Leadership Lens
Expert insights directly from Boyden’s Financial Officers Practice
Q2 2026 Edition
Blog
The High-Stakes Season of Hiring
A clear-eyed look at today’s nonprofit hiring landscape, where heightened risk, talent shortages, and cautious candidates are reshaping how organizations approach retention, recruitment, and long-term workforce strategy.
Blog
Destigmatizing Coaching: A Call to Leaders
Explore how leaders can destigmatize executive coaching by reframing it as a strategic investment in growth, performance, and organizational culture rather than a signal of poor performance.
Articles & Papers
The CFO to CEO Pathway: What Boards Look for in Leader
From financial steward to enterprise leader—seen at Signal Energy and measured by what boards value most.
Media
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Why Grit Is Killing Your High Performers And What Elite Teams Do Instead | Dr. Amy Athey
Podcast
Executive Search Insights: How CPG & Retail Companies Find the Right Leaders
Podcast
Boyden CEO Chad Hesters Joins Dr. Amy Athey on the Still Evolving Podcast
Podcast
Boyden CEO Chad Hesters Joins Candice Bourne on 'The Journey of a Search CEO' Podcast
Podcast
News & Events
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In the Media
Why Executive Search Is Still a Human Business: A Conversation With Boyden President & CEO Chad Hesters
In the Media
Orrstown's new CEO says bank is in a position of strength
Orrstown Financial’s new CEO Adam Metz highlights the bank’s strong financial position, disciplined growth strategy, and well-planned leadership transition as it enters its next phase.
Contact Kelly McWherter today and let's get started